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Journal of Chinese
Architecture and Urbanism Emotive architecture in China

counter-urbanization (Qiu, 2003), and rural strategies The concept of “conceptual space,” initially introduced
for the outskirts of large cities (Han & Zhao, 2023). by Boden (2009) and expanded on by Sundararajan (2015),
Despite geographical and administrative variations, these offers an analytical framework for exploring emotions
adjustments represent adaptive behaviors aimed at fostering within cultural contexts. Boden has defined “conceptual
synergistic relationships between urban and rural areas. space” as the realm where problems are solved, and thoughts
Throughout Chinese history, the relationship between are shaped by knowledge, understanding, and imagination.
urban and rural areas has always been a dynamic balancing This space encompasses our thought patterns, ideas,
act. After the founding of the People’s Republic of China, beliefs, and theories, defining the boundaries for creativity
urban-rural development strategies evolved through and innovation. She has emphasized that innovation
movements such as “Up to the Mountains and Down to the often involves adjustments within existing conceptual
Countryside,” “Sent-down Youth,” the reform and opening frameworks rather than radical transformations.
up era and the influx of migrant workers in the 1990s. These Applying this analytical model allows for the
changes spurred cultural and artistic trends, reflecting the integration of “urban” and “rural” concepts into the
emotional shifts among the populace. Both top-down Chinese cultural conceptual space. Rooted in Chinese
policies and bottom-up adjustments by individuals have history and culture, this space views urban and rural areas
contributed to a nationwide adaptive behavior aimed at as cultural and social entities embodying both physical and
redefining identity relationships and maintaining balance mental dimensions, serving as vessels of life. The cultural
(Cheung, 2013). phenomena, values, and social behaviors within this space
While profound cultural foundations undergo gradual represent adaptations and innovations. Urbanization and
changes, significant external transformations can lead to rural revitalization are seen as adaptive strategies within
imbalances in mental states, resulting in new emotional this conceptual framework to address the challenges posed
needs among urban and rural populations. Analyzing and by globalization and modernization.
responding to these evolving emotional needs can offer Thus, rather than being conflicting forces, urbanization,
effective approaches to seeking new methods for achieving and rural revitalization are viewed as complementary
balance amid societal changes. processes within the Chinese cultural context. They aim to
restore balance amid rapid urban growth while promoting
3. Methodology rural sustainability. This approach aligns with the
This article focuses on architectural design methodology, traditional Chinese philosophical concept of the “Oneness
with a core emphasis on incorporating qing, or emotion, as of Heaven and Humanity,” or harmonious equilibrium. By
a pivotal element in the design process. It elaborates on the adapting traditional values to contemporary needs, China
rationale behind an emotion-centric architectural design seeks to maintain a balanced, integrated, and sustainable
approach by first discussing the significance of qing within societal evolution in a globalized world.
Chinese culture and its historical agency. The discussion then
progresses through the analysis of two architectural projects, 3.2. Emotion as both a feedback and coordination
demonstrating how attention to the agency of emotion can mechanism
guide architectural design in both urban and rural contexts, The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the pivotal role of
which are often seen as contrasting environments. These emotion in environmental cognition, particularly during the
case studies illustrate how small-scale architecture can emotional upheaval from 2020 to 2023, which profoundly
effectively respond to people’s emotional and spiritual needs impacted collective mental well-being. These challenges
within the overarching trend of globalization in China. underscored the dual function of emotions: as indicators of
current issues and as agents that motivate action. Emotions
3.1. Chinese cultural conceptual space as an urban- shape how we perceive, engage with, and construct spaces,
rural syncretization framework influenced by bodily experiences, memory, identity, and power
This study aims to convey in the English language the dynamics. Over the past two decades, scholars worldwide have
intricate cultural and cognitive nuances within a Chinese increasingly recognized the central role of emotions in shaping
context. It is essential to acknowledge that linguistic human experiences and social dynamics, noting how emotions
constraints can introduce biases into communication (He are experienced and expressed across various geographic,
& van de Vijver, 2012). To address potential biases and social, and cultural contexts. This growing body of research
misunderstandings arising from language, transforming has emphasized their pervasive influence on individual-
word references into scene-based cognition is crucial for society relationships and their contribution to forming social
establishing a shared understanding for further discourse. cognitive frameworks that shape our worldview (Bondi, 2016).

Volume 6 Issue 4 (2024) 4 https://doi.org/10.36922/jcau.1606